Services
Banking Abroad
Where you bank matters almost as much as where you live. For internationally mobile individuals, holding your primary accounts in the right jurisdiction protects your assets, simplifies international transactions, and avoids the compliance complications that come with banking in your country of residence.
I.
Why Offshore Banking Matters
Most people who relocate abroad continue to bank in their home country. This creates several problems. First, your home-country bank may close your account once you declare a foreign address. Second, banking in your country of residence can create tax reporting obligations that complicate your overall structure. Third, local banks in many low-tax jurisdictions have limited international capabilities.
The solution is to establish your primary banking relationship in a neutral, internationally respected jurisdiction that is not your country of residence and not your home country. This gives you stability, international acceptance, and a clean separation between where you live and where you bank.
- ›Not all banks accept clients resident in all jurisdictions — compliance departments have their own restrictions
- ›Source of funds documentation is increasingly required, even for simple account openings
- ›FATCA and CRS mean that your bank will report your account to your country of residence — this is normal and expected, but the structure must be set up correctly
- ›Some jurisdictions offer more privacy than others within the limits of international law
II.
Jurisdictions We Recommend
The right jurisdiction depends on your residency, income type, business activity, and the amount you are depositing. Below is a summary of the jurisdictions we most frequently work with.
Switzerland
Strengths: Private banking tradition, multi-currency accounts, strong asset protection, high stability.
Considerations: Some Swiss banks have restrictions on clients resident in certain jurisdictions. Minimum deposit requirements vary widely — from €50k at cantonal banks to €1M+ at private banks.
Best for: High-net-worth individuals, asset protection, long-term wealth management.
Singapore
Strengths: Asia-Pacific hub, excellent international wire infrastructure, broad counterparty acceptance.
Considerations: Strong regulatory framework. Increasingly strict on source-of-funds documentation. Generally requires a visit to open an account.
Best for: Entrepreneurs with Asia-Pacific business activity, those seeking a USD/SGD hub.
United States
Strengths: USD accounts universally accepted, large correspondent banking network, FDIC insurance.
Considerations: US banks are generally reluctant to open accounts for non-residents. Works best if you have a US entity (e.g. LLC) or a US address.
Best for: USD-denominated businesses, those with US company structures.
Georgia (Caucasus)
Strengths: Easy account opening for non-residents, low fees, multi-currency accounts, no CRS reporting to most countries.
Considerations: TBC Bank and Bank of Georgia are the main options. Georgia participates in CRS but with a limited network of partner jurisdictions.
Best for: Secondary accounts, easy access banking, lower-compliance jurisdictions.
UAE (Dubai / Abu Dhabi)
Strengths: No personal income tax, strong banking infrastructure, USD accounts, growing private banking sector.
Considerations: Account opening requires UAE residency or a UAE company. Compliance requirements have increased significantly in recent years.
Best for: Those with UAE residency or a UAE company structure.
Liechtenstein
Strengths: Exceptional asset protection, private banking, stable AAA-rated economy, EEA member.
Considerations: Very high minimum deposits. Primarily for ultra-high-net-worth clients. Strong discretion within the limits of international law.
Best for: Ultra-high-net-worth individuals, complex asset protection structures.
III.
What We Do
- ›Assess your residency situation, income type, and banking needs to identify the right jurisdiction
- ›Introduce you to suitable banks and private banking relationships in the relevant jurisdiction
- ›Advise on source-of-funds documentation and how to prepare for the account opening process
- ›Coordinate with your company structure to ensure banking and corporate arrangements are aligned
- ›Advise on FATCA and CRS reporting obligations and how they interact with your overall tax structure
- ›Assist with multi-currency account setup and international wire infrastructure
Important: we do not guarantee account openings — no one can. What we do is maximise your chances by ensuring your documentation is correct, your structure is compatible with the bank's requirements, and you are introduced through the right channel.
Book a Consultation
Where should you bank?
A one-hour strategy session covers your residency situation, income structure, and the right banking jurisdiction — with a clear action plan and introductions where appropriate.
Book a Consultation — $850Ready to bank properly?
Let's find the right banking structure for your situation.
Book a one-hour strategy session. We'll review your residency plans, income structure, and the optimal banking jurisdiction — with introductions to suitable institutions where appropriate.
Book a Consultation — $850